Koeman believes Saints ready to complete journey from rock bottom to Euro stage

Southampton’s rapid ascent has seen them go from League One to the Europa League in just four years – a stage Ronald Koeman believes his players are ready for.

Tonight’s third round qualifier against Vitesse Arnhem will be Saints’ first on the continental stage since 2003 – a period in which they have plummeted to the third tier and verge of liquidation, only to rise again and last season achieve their best ever Premier League finish.

That brought with it European qualification for just the seventh time in the club’s history, pitting Koeman against the club with whom he cut his managerial teeth.